Fixing troubled healthcare system long overdue

Hundreds of members of the public seeking healthcare thronged the Komani train station this week, forming snaking queues to gain access to primary healthcare services provided by the long-existing Transnet Phelophepha healthcare train.

Since 1994, this globally recognised mobile clinic, reckoned to be the “train of hope”, has been providing its range of services free, or rather at a minimal price.

Scores of young and old patients hailing from far-flung areas in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality were seen desperately waiting to see medical personnel, with some having to spend nights sleeping on the plastic chairs or in their cars with the hope of being top on the next day’s list.

Now, one will sit back and wonder if this does not paint a picture of a lack of adequate access to primary healthcare or an underdeveloped public healthcare system in the province.

We have seen reports in the past where the government as well as non-governmental entities have tried to introduce different models into the healthcare system to ensure transformation.

However, we have also seen reports of collapsing state hospitals which have negatively affected patient care.

It is unfortunate that these young and elderly patients have to endure hours of waiting to access basic, essential services.

Young and unemployed Nosipho Nikani, who has eyesight problems, for example, said she had no choice but to sleep at the station because she could not afford a proper eyecare consultation, and an elderly woman, identified only as Thozi, had hopes of seeing a specialist doctor before travelling back to her village in Whittlesea.

“A health system in shambles”, “State hospital on verge of collapse”, “A dysfunctional healthcare system” were some of the phrases doing the rounds in media publications as the Eastern Cape health department’s woes continued to escalate. Maybe it is high time that government takes proactive steps to efficiently develop and strengthen the obviously troubled healthcare system.

Scores of young and old patients were desperately waiting, with some having to spend nights sleeping on the plastic chairs